Important questions to ask

In order to make the most of your time with your physician and health care team take these questions, along with any other questions you or your family might have, to your appointment. Making sure that you have the answers to these questions will help you deal confidently with your child's health care needs.

Where do we go in an emergency?
Make sure you know your physician's office's rules in case an urgent situation arises outside the hospital or outpatient center. Know who to call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Ask your doctor or nurse when you should go straight to the Emergency Department, rather than your physician's office. If you aren't sure when to go to the Emergency Department, trust your instincts. You know your child best.

What if we get a new diagnosis or information about a procedure?
Be sure you have enough information from your doctor to feel comfortable. Ask your doctor or nurse if he or she can give you more information about your child's condition or procedure by providing educational materials or recommending any Web sites or publications you might reference. As you get more information about your child's condition, remember to speak with your doctor or nurse about it.

What if we get a new prescription?
If your child gets a prescription for medication he or she has never taken before, make sure that you understand any side effects or warning signs you should watch for. Ask for any educational material that your doctor or nurse may have regarding this medication. Also, before you leave, review your child's current medications list — as well as the schedule on which your child takes the medication — with your doctor.

When should we schedule our next appointment?
If your doctor has not asked you to schedule a follow-up appointment in a set amount of time, ask what he or she recommends for scheduling your next visit.